Pet shots: They're doggone costly

Buster, our One-Eyed Jack Russell terrier, does a pretty good Elvis impression when we walk into the vet's office.

I'm all shook up when I get the bill.

Buster, who lost an eye last year to glaucoma (he's fine), will soon get the shivers because it's time for his annual shots.

Our clinic recently closed, so I've started searching for a new vet and pricing services. An office visit runs about $55, shots and screenings add about $200.

That's a lot of scratch and I'm not talkin' fleas.

Animal control offices and visiting clinics in pet stores charge much less.

"These are great options, but we recommend pet owners still establish a relationship with a veterinarian because pets often need more care than just annual vaccinations," says Dianne Sauve, director of Palm Beach County Animal Control.

Also, be honest with the vet about your financial situation.

"Most vets will work with you to offer lower-cost options, even on medications, and still provide quality care," says Dr. Yolanda Ochoa of Veterinary House Calls for Pets (Vet2YourPet.com), a mobile practice in Plantation.

Rabies clinics

County ordinances require dogs and cats, even indoor ones, to get annual rabies shots and license tags, which are important if your pet gets lost. Keep addresses on file current.

Palm Beach County Animal Control offers services at the West Palm Beach facility. Rabies shots and tags are $30; Dewormings and 5-in-1 shots for dogs and 3-in-1 shots for cats are $30 a. Call 561-233-1200.

Both offer low-cost sterilization and microchip implanting.

Low-cost vacs

Save up to 70 percent on vaccinations at visiting clinics at South Florida pet and drug stores. Packages, performed by licensed vets, run $40 to $85. Individual services are offered, too. Bring pet records.

Also, ask private clinics about specials. One VCA office I called offers a 50 percent discount on shots on certain days. That's where we're going.

Hope they enjoy the Buster Boogie.

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